Posts Tagged ‘mossberg accessories’

The Mossberg 500 is a shotgun manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons. Rather than a single model, the 500 is really a series of widely varying hammerless, pumpaction repeaters, all of which share the same basic receiver and action, but differ in bore size, bar Contents, Barrel length, choke options, magazine capacity, and “furniture” (stock and forearm) materials. Other model numbers included in the 500 series are the 590, 505, and 535.

Basic features

Introduced in 1961, all model 500s are based on the same basic design. Originally using a single action bar this was changed to dual action bars in 1970, which are (at least in theory) less likely to bind than a single action bar design. A single large locking lug is used to secure the breech. The magazine tube is located below the barrel, and is screwed into the receiver. The slide release is located to the left rear of the trigger guard, and the safety is located on the upper rear of the receiver (often called a “tang safety”). Sights vary from model to model, from simple bead sight to a receiver mounted ghost ring or an integrated base for a telescopic sight. Most models come with the receiver drilled and tapped for the installation of a rear sight or a scope base. The factory scope base is attached to the barrel via a cantilever-type mount, which places the scope over the receiver but keeps it with the barrel if the barrel is removed. (more…)

Basics
The Mossberg 930 is gas operated, which means that some of the hot gases from the burning gun powder are used to push a piston that operates the action, ejecting the spent shell and chambering a fresh one. This gas action reduces the recoil felt by the shooter, making this shotgun a good choice for the recoil sensitive. In testing, the recoil from the Mossberg 930 is a bit harder than the Remington 11-87. Like other Mossberg shotguns, such as the Mossberg 500, this shotgun has an ambidextrous safety that is located on the rear of the receiver. The Mossberg 930 comes in a variety of models suitable for home defense, hunting, trapshooting, etc. The 930 is available in the usual gauges, but I’m only concerned with 12 gauge. One thing I’ve noticed is that the Mossberg 930 seems to eject spent shells a few yards further than my Remington 11-87. This doesn’t really matter to me, as I use a shell catcher, but I found it to be fascinating.

Build Quality
The Mossberg 930 is well known for its low price, which is achieved without sacrificing quality or safety. On thing that I dislike is the aluminum receiver, as I prefer steel, however I can’t truthfully say that the choice of metals has made any noticeable difference for me. I also wish that the safety were made of metal, rather than plastic; however I have not experienced any durability issues with the safety. Given the fact that one could practically buy two of the Mossberg 930 for the price of a single Remington 11-87, the aluminum receiver and plastic safety seem quite forgivable.

Reliability
I have had no issues with the Mossberg 930 failing to feed, failing to fire, or otherwise malfunctioning. That said, keeping any gas operated shotgun well cleaned is essential to reliable operation. Since I keep my shotguns well cleaned and lubricated, I don’t anticipate problems. At the same time, prefer pump action shotguns for home defense, as the pump action is inherently more reliable.

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Accessories
The Mossberg 930 is quite popular, due in no small part to its low price. There is a wide variety of accessories available for the 930, in stores and online. Barrels can be purchased for just about every shot gunning discipline imaginable, including trapshooting, hunting, and home defense. Scopes, laser sights, ghost ring sights, pistol grips, stocks, and more are available too. There is even the 930 SPX model, which comes with pretty much all the tactical accessories one would want, right from the factory.

Conclusion
Those looking for an inexpensive yet good quality semi auto shotgun may want to consider the Mossberg 930. I prefer my Remington 11-87; however the Mossberg 930’s price just can’t be beaten.